By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR
CHADRON — Dr. Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), encouraged Chadron State College graduates to embrace their new opportunities and remain true to themselves during the spring commencement ceremony May 10.
Welch, a first-generation college graduate who leads a national organization representing 520 public institutions, reflected on his academic journey and the transformative power of higher education.
“Your life is forever transformed for receiving this degree,” Welch told the graduates. “You can now do things that you never dreamed were imaginable in your life. Your degree can never be taken away from you. Use it and make it count.”
Welch opened his address by referencing the three Bs of public speaking: be positive, be wise, and be seated. He then offered a message celebrating both achievement and responsibility.
He invited the audience to applaud the families and friends who helped graduates reach the milestone, noting that support systems often make the difference in completing college.
“Graduates, find your loved ones in this crowd and thank them,” he said.
In a speech that blended humor, anecdotes, and advice, Welch shared a list of life tips ranging from valuing relationships to voting and maintaining a firm handshake. He emphasized authenticity, recounting how he defied professional stereotypes by remaining true to his Arkansas roots.
“You define your career. Your career does not define you,” he said. “Be who you are. Be genuine and be authentic.”
Among his tips was a reminder about the power of a handwritten note, the importance of digital etiquette, and the mental shift from saying “I have to” to “I get to.”
He concluded with a call to “live like you are dying,” referencing the Tim McGraw song of the same name and encouraged students to make the most of each day.
“The biggest mistake you can make in life is thinking you have enough time,” Welch said.
CSC awarded degrees to 245 undergraduate and graduate students during the ceremony.